The Cocburn surname is derived from a place in Berwickshire named Cockburn. The place name in turn, comes from the Old English "cocc," meaning "rooster," and "burna," meaning "a stream." As such, the surname is classed as a local, or habitational name, derived from a place where the original bearer lived or held land.

Early Origins of the Cocburn family

The surname Cocburn was first found in Roxburghshire (now part of the region of Borders). One of the first times the name was listed, was during the reign of William the Lion (1165-1214) when a Cukoueburn was listed in the area of Clifton. Typical of these early entries, no given name was provided. Peter de Cokburne witnessed a grant in 1220. One of the earliest records of a Clan crest was in 1296, when a rooster (cock) is shown on the seal of Peres de Cokeburne. Sir Alexander Cockburn was killed at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. In 1390, his grandson Alexander was appointed Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. Around this time, some of the family settled in Danzig and changed their name to Kabrun.

Early History of the Cocburn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cocburn research.Another 231 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1390, 1395, 1656, 1735, 1685, 1770 and are included under the topic Early Cocburn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Early Notables of the Cocburn family (pre 1700)

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was Sir George Cockburn; Lord Cockburn, a Judge, Author, and Politician; James Cockburn, first M.P. for Muskoka and first Speaker of the House of... Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cocburn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cocburn family to Ireland

Some of the Cocburn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 173 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cocburn family to the New World and Oceana

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Alexander Cockburn and his wife who settled in Granada in 1774; Edward, James, Jane, Cockburn, all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1820; David, John, Robert, Thomas, and William Coburn all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1865..

The Cocburn Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.